Vinicius apologizes to Brazilians for World Cup 'frustration'
Brazil's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks to forward Vinicius Junior during the 2026 World Cup Group C football match between Brazil and Morocco at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on June 13, 2026. (Photo by MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP)
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The five-time world champions were knocked out by upstarts Norway in a shock 2-1 Round of 16 rout.
"I know how much I prepared, how much I focused, how much I wanted" the World Cup "for you, for my family," Real Madrid superstar Vinicius said in an Instagram message to fans.
"The feeling of frustration is enormous," he acknowledged.
"We had a squad strong enough to do more, and we didn't achieve it. I apologize and I will fight for our dream of returning to the top of the world," he added.
Vinícius, 25, scored four goals and provided one assist in the tournament.
His message was accompanied by a black-and-white photograph of him lying on the grass, after Norway's win on Sunday.
The Selecao won the last of its five World Cup titles over two decades ago, in 2002.
National teams coordinator Rodrigo Caetano has reaffirmed his confidence in the team's Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, despite the World Cup disappointment.
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